Mitchell among Cities to Use New 911 System
MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — The city of Mitchell is among the first to implement new 911 technology that will link all dispatch centers in the state.
The Daily Republic reports that the dispatch centers are transitioning to Next Generation 911. It's a system of hardware, software, data and operational policies that include a statewide digital telephone system and an IP-based network that links all dispatch centers.
State 911 Coordinator Shawnie Rechtenbaugh says it's a first for South Dakota.
With NG 911, a center unable to answer 911 calls due to a power outage or other disaster could route its calls to a neighboring center. The new system will also allow people to make 911 calls via text, photo or video messages.
Rechtenbaugh says eight dispatch centers have implemented the system so far.
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